Belt type fruit grader with adjustable grading apertures



E. METZGER 2,429,560

BELT TYPE FRUIT GRADER WITH ADJUSTABLE GRADING APERTURES Filed March 14, 1945 2 Sh eets-Sheet 1 ("qrivruxli lil||||| I Oct. 21, 1947.

Oct. 21, 1947. METZGER 2,429,560

BELT TYPE FRUIT GRADE WITH ADJUSTABLE GRADINGAPERTURES Filed March l4, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I 4' %a w;

Patented Oct. 21, 1947 UNITED BELT TYPE FRUIT .GRADER WITH ADJUST-.-

AB E GR D NG .A BIIJ S Emerson Metzger, Berrien Springs, Mich.

Ap i ti March 1 5. S l O- 582, 43

5 Claims.

This invention relates in general to apparatus for grading fruit, or other objects, according to size.

More specifically, the machine of this invention is of the endless belt or conveyor type in which are incorporated improved structural features. Fruit is dischar ed onto a horizontal run and is permitted to pass down through grading openings according to size.

One of the features of this improved grader is the arrangement and operation of the plates which provide and regulate the size of the grad.- ing openings.

Another feature of the invention pertains to the mechanism for preventing fruit from riding on the flat or level portions of the plates which comprise the surface of the grader.

The foregoing and additional features are .described in greater detail in the following claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of .a grader embodying the general principles of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view in plan illustrating the surface of the grader and showing portions of the machine at three different sizes of grading openings;

Fig. :3 is an enlarged view in plan of one of the units of the conveyor element;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view in section taken on the line 5.5 of Fig. 3, showing the position and mounting of the ba'ffie elements on the grading units.

Referring in detail to the several figures of the drawings, 1 is an upright post, leg or support of the frame of the apparatus, whichin plan View is preferably rectangular. It will be observed that one of these posts is located at each end of the apparatus. A similar pair of such upright members I (not shown) are located at the opposite side of the structure shown in Fig. 1. A horizon,- tal side frame member connecting the posts I is shown at 2 and serves as a side retaining wall to prevent fruit which is passing over the grader from falling sidewise from the grader. A similar board (not shown) is located on the opposite side of the grading elements of the machine.

3indicates an inclined feeding chute from which fruit or other objects to be graded are delivered to the grading mechanism' 4 is the discharge chute which will receive any fruit which is too large to have passed through the grading apparatus.

Th g ad ng ech i m is an dl s Structure h v s ac s en le c ins 5 one of wh h i wn n si e e ation i is- .Fo ket se s 5 ar p q fii l9 W the chain whi h Shown in g 9 each b i mounted 9 axles which are likewise held in suitable hearings fastened to each 5 h l l i h n me 3. 1 19??? P wer ma b pl ed to Wh che e o t ese x e is se e te endin Q th di e i 0f movement of the apparatus. In the structure i u t a ed P er sho d be a ied e ab is the le n d c t the di ch n a d he r t e r .shculd be x d t u it it respective axle. In other words, that sproclget gear serves to pull the horizontal run of the chain. A similar chain 5 and a corresponding set of sprocket gears, similarly mounted, are located at thev opposite side of'the structure shown in Fig. 1. The grading mechanism is supported by and extends between the two chains, as will be described.

u t ade by h mechanis and P ssin through the mechanism is caught in suitable receptacles l, 3 and 9, positioned immediately beih he upper un .Q t e a n ap a atus, and as shown in Fig. 1 these receptacles are at a level below the upper run 50, of the chain 5.

To maintain substantially horizontal and sup,- port the upper run 50. of the grading chain and its associated mechanism, there is provided a rigid tracl; or rail I 0, one each of which is located at each side of the grading mechanism. Each chain 5 is adapted to rest on and be guided by a rail H], as will be described.

'lhe grading mechanism, which, as indicated, is in the form of an endless or belt-likestructure. It is composed of a series of grading units, each of which extends across the width of the mechanism. The respective units are pivotally connected to each other, side by side, completely around the chain 5. Referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted that the rails I0 are shown substantially at opposite sides of the structure, and, in other words, at opp site ends of each .of the individual grading units of which one is shown at Fig. 3. The unit shown in 3 is typical .of the last complete unit shown at the left end .of the structure shown at 2, the Size of openings be,- ing substantially circular in contour and at their u i e o en csi qn- The details relating to the structure of the chain 5 will now be described. The chain 5 includes two spaced links ll and J2, both of which a l s ent allva i ns a he Width .o rading unit. ll identifies the link at the outside of positioned below the lower edge of the link I3.,

By this arrangement the links II and I2 extend downwardly alongside of the rail Ill andthe link" I3 is enabled to ride on the rail I0. Thus the rails II] not only carry the weightof the chains 'as runways to guide the wheels 22. plates I5 and I6 are close together for the passage :"of small fruit only, the relative position of a the right side of Fig. 2. As the mechanism travels to the left, the spaces are opened as many times as may be desired, according to the capacity and design of the machine. The position of the elements I8 is determined by fixed elements I9, and 2|, which are trough-like in cross-section, as shown at 2I in Fig. 4. It is desirable that these structures have spaced side walls for retaining a roller or wheel 22 which is pivotally mounted at 23 at the outermost end of the element I8. The parts I9, 20 and 2|, with their side walls, serve When the specific wheel 22 will be between the walls of 1; the part I 9. In the next progressive position, that and the grading mechanism, butalso the rails c0 operate with the chains to maintain exact alignment during the grading operation and while the Q respective grade units are passing along the length of the horizontal run of the chains.

Both chains 5 are held in fixed'spaced relation with respect to each other'by a series of .rods I4 which are arranged in groups of two for each grading unit. With reference to Fig. 3, it will be observed that the ends of the rods I4 project through the respective links II, I2 and I3. The links are preferably pivotally mounted with respect to the rods, andthis is especially true with respect to the connecting link I3. Suitable securing means, such as cotter pins, are used in connection with the rods to prevent the accidental loosening of the linksfrom the rods. This construction provides a substantially rectangular framework formed of the -two parallel rods and the four links associated therewith, including two links II and two links I2.

. The grading mechanism is mounted on the rods I4 and includes one or more fixed plates I5 which are secured to the rods, as. by welding, and are not movable with respect thereto. It will-be observed that the plates I5 are provided with arcuate recesses- .Co-operatingwith each fixed plate I5 are movable plates IB-which are adapted to slide lengthwise ,ofthe rods I 4, as will be described.

Eachplate I6 has at opposite sides thereof lugs I! which partially encircle the rods I4 to hold the movable plate I 6 against lateraldislodgment from the rods. All of the movable plates I6 are connected to a common operating element I8, carried by. the: traveling grading mechanism and, which is subject to manipulation by a fixed gauging member while the grading mechanism is being moved along the upper run and is in position to grade fruit. The element I8 .is shown as a U- wheel 22 will be between the walls of the part 20.

In the third and larger position, the same wheel 22 will be between the walls of the part 2I. The juncture between the walls of the parts I9, 20 and 2| respectively are inclined to provide a gradual cam surface whereby the wheel 22 will be urged outwardly and the element I8 and the plates I6 moved thereby.

The advance end of the part I9 is flared, not shown, to provide a cam surface to bring the wheel 22, the member I8, and plates I6 from the extended and wide open position into the position shown at the right side of Fig. 2. In Fig. 2 the direction of motion of the grading mechanism, as shown by the arrow, is toward the left.

In Fig. 3 an intermediate portion of the grading unit is broken away. The direction of motion is indicated by the arrow on the part 2|.

Means for preventing fruit or other objects which are being graded from riding on the fiat surfaces of the plates I5 and I6 and on the surfaces of adjacent units, is provided by a series of so-called baffle members 24 which extend across the width of the grading mechanism and lengthwise of each of the grading units. By reference to Figs. 2, 3 and 5, it will be noted that these baffle members overlap adjacent units. One such baille 24 is mounted on each unit and as shown in Fig. 5 the baffle i secured to the left marginal edge portion of each unit. More specifically, the

shaped bar, the side arms of which extend substantially parallel to the rods I4 so as to overlie the opposite marginal portions of each of the plate members I6. The plate members I6 are secured to the arms of the members I8 bywelding or by any other suitable means. Fig. 3 shows that the element I8 projects beyond the grading plates and beyond the chainat one side with a substantiall U-shaped curve.

Mechanism for manipulating the member I8 is provided by the followingstructure which isfixed wi threspect to the framework I and 2, and extends lengthwise of the machine. When the grading mechanism and chains '5 moveupwa'rd toward the horizontal run, it is desired, that the plates I5 and I6 should be relativelyclose tbgetherso that onlyfruit of a relatively. small .size will pass therebetween. Accordingly, ,the elements I8 should be in their innermost',position so that the baflle 24 is mounted on and carried by the arms of the member I8 and the baffle is thus moved with the member I8. A satisfactor and advantageous shape for the baffle is as shown in Fig. 5-in which the bafile has a central longitudinal ridge and inclined walls sloping therefrom down toward the adjacent surface of the plates I5 and I6. A convenient means for attachment is provided by shaping the lower edge portions of the bafile to extend inwardly toward each other as shown in Fig. 5. One such inturned edge provides a convenient attaching surface to be secured to the arms of the element I 8. Securing may be by welding if the bafile is of metal. However, the type of material and the method of securement may be determined as expediency requires. It will be noted that this manner of attachment of the baflle makes it possible for the mechanism to move around curves as illustrated where the chain and the baflles are shown making the turns around the sprocket gears, as shown in Fig. 1. 4 I l This grading machine may be of a size and capacity best adapted t'o meet the owners'require-v ments. A satisfactory length for the horizontal run, that is, the distancelbetween the upright I is six feet. The mechanism can be .as wide as desired. That is, each unit maybe-as long as desired and provide as many grading openings as needed, depending on the preferred capacityof wise of the conveyor or the plates I and I6 may be provided by depending rubber fingers which may be positioned in a row across the widthof the traveling portion. of the grader and prefer.- ably hang downward from a suitable support above the adjacent edges of the plates l5 and I6 at sides thereof which do not contain the recesses. Such fingers or baffles are conventional.

It will be understood that the shape of the recesses in the plates I5 and I6 and the corresponding contour of the measuring openings may be varied as desired. They may be round, rectangular or some other shape, according to that best adapted to the fruit or articles being graded.

The positioning of the plates I5 and I6 in a row and in a common plane provides a highly satisfactory mechanism. It will be noted also that the upper surface of the plates I5 and IS in each of the rows and that all ,of the rows in the upper horizontal run are in a common plane. It will also be noted that the upper surface of each plate all the way to the edge of the measuring opening is free from any obstruction which could prevent the free movement of fruit or other elements being graded from being moved across the surface of the plates and into the grading openings. The assembly demonstrates simplicity of construction and operation and is believed to be less prone to damage fruit than apparatus having moving cooperating parts in two separat planes. The arrangement in which alternate plates are fixed and the intermediate plates are movable provides a desired simplicity of construction and operation.

From the foregoing it will be clear that this machine provides a continuous type of grading mechanism in which one horizontal run is capable of operating to grade a plurality of sizes of fruit or other objects, t will also be clear that the width or dimension of the grading openings may be varied as desired, depending on the position at which parts I9, and 2I are set.

I claim:

1. In a grader, an endless belt type of measuring member having two rows of chains spaced apart, each formed of an endless series of links, said measuring member being composed of a series of measuring units arranged side by side, each unit including a pair of parallel rods extending from a link in one chain to a corresponding link in the opposite chain, and adjustable measuring means carried by said pair of rods and including a plurality of plates in a common plane positioned in a row across the width of the measuring member between said chains, each plate having a measuring recess, every second plate being fixed with respect to said rods and with respect to each other, said plates including a series of movable plates one each being associated with one of each said fixed plates and slidably mounted with respect to said rods, and each movable plate having a measuring recess associated with the measuring recess of an adjacent fixed plate, and said movable plates being adapted to be moved toward and from said fixed plates to vary the size of the measuring recesses, and connecting means between said movable plates for 6 moving them concurrently crosswise of said measuring member.

2. In a grader, an endless belt type of measuring member having two chains at the opposite sides thereof and each chain formed of an endless series of links, adjustable measuring means carried by said chains, said measuring member having a run thereof extending substantially horizontally, parallel rodsextending between said two chains and having their opposite end por tions extended through the links of said two chains, said measuring meansincl uding a plurality of plates in a common plane positioned across the width of said measuring member between said chains, each plate having a measuring recess, every second plate being fixed with respect to said rods and with respect to each other, said plates including a series of movable plates one each being associated with one of each said fixed plates and slidably mounted with respect to said rods, and each movable plate having a measuring recess associated with the measuring recess of. an adjacent fixed plate, and said slidable plates being adapted to be moved toward and from said fixed plates to vary the size of the measuring recesses, connecting means between said movable plates for moving them concurrently crosswise of said measuring member, gauging means fixedly mounted alongside of said measuring member and adapted to determine the position of said connecting means crosswise of said measuring member, and a traveling contact member movable with said connecting means and adapted to coact with said gauging means during the movement of said measuring member whereby the size of the recess openings is adjusted.

3. In a grader, an endless belt type of measuring member having two endless chains, each of an endless series of links, and a pair of spaced horizontal parallel rails supporting said chains in a horizontal run of said measuring member, said measuring member including a series of grading units, each extending crosswise of the path of travel of said measuring member and pivotally associated with the next adjacent unit of the series, each unit including parallel spaced links of said chains extending lengthwise of the path of travel and pivotally associated with the corresponding link of the next adjacent unit, each unit having a pair of spaced rods between and carried by opposite links of the two spaced chains, a series of grading plates in a common plane and having grading openings therebetween, said plates extending between said chains and carried by said pair of rods, certain plates being fixed and others being movable with respect to said rods, and a separate bailie member carried by each of said grading units and secured to the unit along one margin thereof and extending lengthwise of said unitand crosswise of the path of travel of said measuring member, each haflie member overlapping adjacent edges of adjacent grading units in the horizontal run and having inclined surfaces whereby fruit is diverted toward said grading openings.

4. In a grader, and endless belt type of measuring member having a series of grading units, each extending crosswise of the path of travel of said measuring member, said grading units being pivotally associated together and the assembly of said units substantially comprising the surface of said measuring member, each of said units including a series of fixed and movable plates arranged in alternate relation and all in a common plane and providing grading openings therebetween, and a separate baflie member carried by each of said grading units and extending crosswise of said measuring member and secured at one margin of said grading units and-overlapping the adjacent edge of the next adjacent unit and having inclined surfaces whereby fruit is directe toward said grading openings.

5. In a grader, an endless belt type of measuring member having a run thereof extending substantially horizontally, said measuring member having a series of grading units each extending crosswise of the path of travel of said measuring member, said grading units being pivotally associated together and the assembly of said units substantially comprising the surface of said measuring member, each of said units including a series of fixed and a series of movable plates having fiat upper surfaces throughout their area in said horizontal run arranged in alternate relation and all in a common plane and providing adjustable grading openings therebetween, the upper surface of each plate in said horizontal run lying in a single plane which terminates at the marginal edge of the grading opening, means to feed elements to be graded to the upper surface of said plates in said horizontal run, said fixed plates having a straight path of travel parallel to the path of travel of said measuring member during a grading operation and said movable plates being adjustably mounted with respect to said'fixed plates to be spaced therefrom progressively at specified distances and when so spaced being adapted to move in a path of travel parallel to said fixed plates for a prescribed part of the path of travel of said measuring member, said grading units being so closely positioned with respect to each other that elements resting on said plates awaiting grading cannot pass downward between adjacent units, said surface of said measuring member being closed except for grading openings in its direction of travel and substantially coextensive with the units transversely to the path of travel.

EMERSON METZGER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,159,208 Gill Nov. 2, 1915 1,358,061 Davidson Nov. 9, 1920 1,868,114 Mathews July 19, 1932 2,103,680 Klaucke Dec. 28, 1937 2,254,595 Carroll Sept. 2, 1941 

